Reverb

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Yes, it's time for you and the Conjugal Visits to enjoy some very special time together.

Man, what a weekend. Ronnie James Dio died, and I didn't get to make it up to Denver for the Warlock Pinchers' album release party. But I did get some tickets for the August reunion, and I managed to reclaim my rightful title as 2010 Colorado Springs Pinball Champion, so I guess my weekend wasn't a total loss.

I do, however, wonder if Dio is burning in hell? Man, I bet him and Satan are having so much fun right now ...

Anywho ... moving away from Satan, this Saturday, May 22, marks the third annual Ramp'd 4 Reading skateboard and BMX demo and competition at Memorial Skate Park. Starting at 9 a.m., this all-day event will feature various levels of competition riding, professional team demos, graffiti demos, food, giveaways, prizes and, of course, a steaming heap of live local music. Subject to change, the music lineup boasts a little something for everyone, with the exceptional skills of DJ Wesley Wayne, El Toro de la Muerte, Tango Red Tapestry, Murder Hat, Firemouth, Ideal Citizens, Mountain Peeps, myFriend Tom and "many" more.

All proceeds from this worthy "rock" and "roll" event will help the Children's Literacy Center provide tutoring to nearly 1,000 area children who are not yet reading at their respective grade levels. For more information on the Ramp'd for Reading event or the Children's Literacy Center, or to register for the competition, please visit peakreader.org.

Later that evening, and right around the corner, over at the Music Street Tavern (204 N. Union Blvd.) they will be throwing a real "Molotov Cocktail" of local all-ages punk rock shows! Featuring the good, bad and ugly of 719 ska and punk (see if you can guess who's who!), including the Insecurities, Stab Crew, the Gutter Runts, Meat Apart and the Ankle Biters, this show should prove to be nothing less than ... uh ... incendiary?! All ages $8, grown-ups $5.

We will be playing with some "good" bands, too, including the Conjugal Visits, the unbearably catchy garage punk revivalists, and two more bands out of the Mile High: the Velveteen Loveseat and a group called Snake Mountain, which was described to me as "Denver's Stooges." So, here's your chance. Come out to the show and then send me your review, and I will print highlights from the best ones in next week's Reverb.